UK to send emergency drinking water to Japan

This news article was published under
the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The UK will send bottled drinking water to Japan in response to a shortage of safe drinking water, International Development Secretary, Andrew Mitchell confirmed today.

The UK will send bottled drinking water to Japan in response to a shortage of safe drinking water, International Development Secretary, Andrew Mitchell confirmed today.

100 tonnes of bottled water will be distributed to people living in the Ibaraki prefecture, following an urgent request from the Japanese authorities.

Damaged infrastructure in areas badly hit by the earthquake and tsunami has led to restrictions in the availability of clean drinking water, while concerns remain around radiation levels.

The water will be sent from Hong Kong and is due to arrive in Japan today.

International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell said:

“Over two weeks on from this terrible disaster, many people are still in the midst of a crisis. The destructive nature of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami has damaged essential infrastructure and left many without water.

Britain is stepping in to help Japan to cope with this shortage, providing much-needed support at this difficult time.”